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Mass Effect 3: Five Plots Worth Exploring (contains ME2 spoilers)

From thekoalition.com

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SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t completed Mass Effect 2 it’s advised that you skip past this article. Otherwise enjoy and feel free to leave your comments below.

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When Mass Effect 2 finally surfaced last month, fans around the world where treated to a phenomenal experience crafted exclusively by the infamous RPG studio, BioWare. Now that you have had a chance to playthrough the story in its entirety, I decided to point out some key story plots that may be explored in the final chapter of the trilogy. Feel free to express your thoughts on the matter and let us know if your team survived the suicide mission.

5) Illusive Man’s Motives

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One of the most questionable characters in the game comes in the form of the controversial Illusive Man. While actor Martin Sheen provided an excellent soundtrack as the advisor, his motives are unconventional and sinister at best. If you recall the mission where you investigate an abandoned Collector Ship base, the whole scenario plays out to be nothing more then a cleverly planned ambush attack. This could have been used as a measuring stick to determine if Shepard and his team are truly up to par for the battle that’s ahead of them. Once you beat the game though, further suspicions are cast upon this significant character. If you choose to save the Collector technology to aid you in defeating the Reapers, then the last shot you’ll see is of the Illusive Man sporting a sadistic grin on his face shortly after dismissing you from the mission debriefing. At the same time you also have an option to detach yourself from working with him by simply tell him to screw off. Regardless of which decision you choose, it’s clear that this will greatly affect you in Mass Effect 3. BioWare succeeds in keeping the suspense going within their stories which is why I wouldn’t be surprised if Illusive Man ends up becoming a villain down the road.

4) Treason

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Another aspect that will be further emphasized in the next chapter will be a commitment to maintain team chemistry throughout the most challenging of missions. There are glimpses of this system already implemented in the sense that each individual crew member has a side mission that you have to complete to gain their allegiance. This becomes vital as you get deeper into the game because if a team member isn’t fully focused on the mission at hand, then they will not be prepared to follow you to the depths of hell and back. Furthermore the way BioWare goes about showing the consequences of your actions is the main reason why this game is in a class of it’s own. A fight that arises between Jack and Miranda forces you to side with one or the other which ultimately becomes the difference maker in determining which one you end up having sex with later in the game. Luckily, not every conflict has to be cut and dry though as demonstrated by you being able to successfully breakup a fight between Tali and Legion. Looking ahead to Mass Effect 3, further conversations with crew members after the suicide mission reveal many things including whether or not they agree with the way you handled the final mission. One very interesting conversation with Grunt unveils his revelation that he doesn’t like Turians and suggests a future rift between him and Garrus. This all but assures the next game will continue to challenge your decisions while giving you several different personalities to balance at the same time.

3) The Fate Of Thane

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When the first cinematic trailer of Mass Effect 2 dropped I took a personal liking to the stealthy assassin, Thane. Imagine my surprise when I found out what the delicate nature of his story was and the amount of emotions that can come from one character. As a dying hero who has just rekindled his relationship with his son you can’t help but feel that Thane may meet his eventual demise in the next chapter. I recall saying that the genius of these characters is that BioWare could easily provide spinoffs for each story long after Mass Effect 3 is done. However considering that the next game will be the definitive end to Shepard’s story, I would imagine that unexpected deaths of squad mates will be a part of the formula. This rule of thumb may not be accurate if any of your teammates died during the last mission. Even more intriguing is that some characters have children who may eventually replace their parents in those roles. If the strategy to introduce these characters only to have them be reborn later is the goal of the creative team then I highly applaud their efforts for continuing to craft characters you care about.

2) Baby Shepard

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Since the beginning of the Mass Effect saga, Commander Shepard has been notorious for being a badass hero with a desire to smash both human and alien females. While Fox News fought the tame sex scenes in an effort to claim the game as video game porn, many fans saw them as brief encounters in the background of an epic story. Mass Effect 2 provided several avenues for you to choose from for female companionship by creating a relationship dynamic that grows over time. You aren’t able to physically have sex until the beginning of the suicide mission, which further emphasizes that there could be bigger repercussions later. If you are daring enough to spend your time with Tali, she warns of potential health risks but is still willing to go the distance with you. What if this could translate into an offspring with both human and alien abilities? Remember that while Mass Effect is only a trilogy there are no rules for creating another game in the genre with Shepard’s child as the main protagonist. There is also a slight chance that Shepard could be headed for a rather uncomfortable meeting between a current and past lover. Not only would this setup a classic Jerry Springer moment but it would also add a balance of comedy to an otherwise intensely dark storyline. I’m not suggesting they add any baby mama drama to the equation but the idea off adding far reaching effects to this story can only further improve it’s stock value over time.

1) The Final Battle

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The dramatic scale of Mass Effect 2’s story is a classic that will be remembered for several years to come. The idea of the bar being raised in the next chapter is one I’m highly confident BioWare can surpass. The final encounter with the Reapers needs to be heavily defined and far more superior then the Collectors. If you recall, the end of the game delivers a message that Harbinger is coming and there is a focus on a partnership between the Collectors and The Reapers. The final encounter with The Human Reaper (A Terminator Clone) isn’t challenging enough and I fully anticipate new adversaries the next time around. When you decide to destroy the Collector Base there are hints that you may not be prepared for what’s ahead as a result. The effects of your choices were beautifully illustrated in how you choose to give orders during the final mission. Mass Effect 3 should exceed this and make you feel like the experience really is a life or death type of situation.

The article may be old but it's worth discussing what might happen in ME3. :)

One thing, you can break up the fight between Miranda and Jack without choosing a side.

You need to be full paragon to break up that cat fight or to persuade Jack that it was "Lip Service". It still should be a sub-plot at least as the majority of ME2 players will have not been able to stay neutral in the Jack and Miranda incident.

I did :P

As for ME3, what I want is just to find and kill the Illusive Man.
I played through ME2without spoilers (other than 'get every team member's loyalty' first time and I 99% expected cerberus to betray me... I guess I was kind of right with the ending though.

That said, I want a proper relationship with Liara again in ME3 (and getting Wrex back on the team would be nice :) )

HNM, have you played LoTSB DLC yet?

Its not quite ME1's romance, but its... cute.

Not yet... I'm doing a new char in ME1 then going to play through ME2 with her when that's done... will then :)

I think you'll quite enjoy it. :D

2) Baby Shepard
http://images.thekoalition.com/2010/...7-s1_super.png

Since the beginning of the Mass Effect saga, Commander Shepard has been notorious for being a badass hero with a desire to smash both human and alien females. While Fox News fought the tame sex scenes in an effort to claim the game as video game porn, many fans saw them as brief encounters in the background of an epic story. Mass Effect 2 provided several avenues for you to choose from for female companionship by creating a relationship dynamic that grows over time. You aren’t able to physically have sex until the beginning of the suicide mission, which further emphasizes that there could be bigger repercussions later. If you are daring enough to spend your time with Tali, she warns of potential health risks but is still willing to go the distance with you. What if this could translate into an offspring with both human and alien abilities? Remember that while Mass Effect is only a trilogy there are no rules for creating another game in the genre with Shepard’s child as the main protagonist. There is also a slight chance that Shepard could be headed for a rather uncomfortable meeting between a current and past lover. Not only would this setup a classic Jerry Springer moment but it would also add a balance of comedy to an otherwise intensely dark storyline. I’m not suggesting they add any baby mama drama to the equation but the idea off adding far reaching effects to this story can only further improve it’s stock value over time.

Shepard's a playa. :awesome:

A few things I definatly want:
- Kill or change Illusive Man.
- Keep romancing Tali. AKA: SHE DOESN'T DIE. FFS.
- Create other :airquote:Relationships:airquote: between the crew.
- Better Garrus Romance for gods sake.
- Better ship customization.
- Samara romance?
- Bring back the old Romance scenes, this stupid censor overload is ridiculous.

Other things that I want are small, but I might post them later. In terms of story, Bioware will provide a brilliant story, I have no doubt.

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Originally Posted by Aihwa (Post 99311)

HNM, have you played LoTSB DLC yet?

Its not quite ME1's romance, but its... cute.

I played it a couple of days ago, it was... disappointing. Nice to have Liara back on the team though, even only for 2 missions. Her powers are actually really useful too, and it was nice to have my old team together... Did the first mission with her with Garrus then the second with Tali. Only Wrex was missing... :(

I agree with Xavier Foxx on killing Illusive Man and on the bloody censorship >.>
As for Samara though, I think that she really isn't interested. I'd like to see a Tali option for female Shepard though... I've always thought, even since ME1, than Tali had a thing for my (female) Shepard.
Bioware would be committing suicide if they killed Tali or left her out of ME3 though :)

What I want most of all: Get Liara and Wrex back on the team, kill the Illusive Man (and preferably Miranda) and unnerf the citadel.

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Originally Posted by Advent (Post 100703)

HAHAHAHA, you gets cookie for lulz

On a more serious note relating to loyalty, I think that something like random betrayals should be introduced that can occur at any time after a certain point in the game and by any team member (a randomly generated, different team member each playthrough).
That or random coincedences. There was a lot of that in KotOR, for example, the assassin company (Genoharderans or something) randomly approached you and a bounty hunter approached you at some point too.

As to that list. I would very much like to see them all EXCEPT Baby Sheperd and Papa/Mama Sheperd on screen together.... NO thanks

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 100820)

kill the Illusive Man (and preferably Miranda)

/me agrees with this post.

Nooo... Dont kill Miri...

She's human too. Did you not do her loyalty mission?

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Originally Posted by Aihwa (Post 100833)

She's human too. Did you not do her loyalty mission?

Surpassed by Tali. Your argument is invalid.

And I haven't got ME2 yet. I'm getting it at Christmas. :xD:

Well, I mean, she's not Tali. But I still like her. She's had a pretty miserable life too.

Miranda scares me. :shoop:

: /

You must not talk to her very much.

I talk to all the characters, I still did Miranda's loyalty mission, I even talked her round after siding with Jack over her. Miranda just comes across as annoying, plus she works for Cerberus OFC - something which makes me guess she wouldn't be too happy about me killing the Illusive Man :P

I really think that Mass Effect 3 will be my favorite game of all time. After what Bioware did with the sequel, I know that they will make the final game of the triliogy nothing short of legendary (no relation to halo, literal sense).

I hope to see Shepard gather the seperate races together against the Reapers, like the Geth (now lead by Legion), the Rachni (the queen's message on Illium was a bit suggestive), the Krogan (Wrex will likley rally at Shepard's cause), and maybe the Quarians.

It is so awsome how Shepard is the "dead" Spectre that has already saved the galaxy from destruction once and then saved humanity a second time by destroying the collector homeworld before they could target Earth. Now (after LoTSB) Shepard's close friend Liara has taken over as the Shadow Broker and now Shepard is like a ghost in the literal sense. He can use Liara's resources to have eyes all around the galaxy and manipulate things.

I really can't wait, I hope Bioware doesn't rush it and releases it only when ready.

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Originally Posted by Earthlover18 (Post 100861)

(the queen's message on Illium was a bit suggestive)

:stare:

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

I don't like Miranda, PURELY for the reason that she got the least censorship. Its ridiculous.

Bump.

Here's some awesome gameplay. :awesome:

I like that demo.

Hmm, a Genophage cure... win :D

Late breaking news: Mass Effect 3 co-op side story multiplayer...discuss.

Yeah so its console locked, who will be playing on PC?
Also this one will be playing a Hanar if its possible.

PC only here, of course :D

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 160193)

PC only here, of course :D

Oh Ewya this is is going to be an interesting team up to be sure :P.

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 100859)

something which makes me guess she wouldn't be too happy about me killing the Illusive Man :P

Then you didn't take her to finish off the final boss. :D

"Consider this my two week notice". - Miranda

Yeah, I normally use Tali and Garrus as they're the characters I like most, and also, Shepard worked with them in ME1 so would trust them most, but I've also done it with Thane, Grunt, and Jack.
Good to know then though, although I do hope that Miranda will be less annoying in ME3.

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 163376)

I went with Miranda and I forgot who else my first time through. Probably Garrus or Jacob. But my first time through Tali died..... I don't even know how, everyone was alive for my final speech and then at the end she just wasn't there for some reason. So the second time through and likely my third (since my hard drive crapped out and I lost my game save), I went with Mordin and Thane (with Tali returning to the ship with the gallant crew & doctor).

If you don't have a party member's loyalty, they may die defending the doors there. I haven't managed to get anybody killed, but I always did all the loyalty missions.

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 163562)

If you don't have a party member's loyalty, they may die defending the doors there. I haven't managed to get anybody killed, but I always did all the loyalty missions.

I did everyone's loyalty mission to the point and and I was able to use the charm reply to prevent Tali from getting exiled. Died anyway. Don't know how or why. Only happened once too.

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Originally Posted by Crickett (Post 163575)

I did everyone's loyalty mission to the point and and I was able to use the charm reply to prevent Tali from getting exiled. Died anyway. Don't know how or why. Only happened once too.

Who died and where?

Certain people can't perform certain tasks. For instance, I tried to use Mordin as the vent runner my first time through, he received cranial ventilation.

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Originally Posted by Isard (Post 163594)

Who died and where?

Certain people can't perform certain tasks. For instance, I tried to use Mordin as the vent runner my first time through, he received cranial ventilation.

I took two people with me (it was Miranda and I think either Garrus or Jacob), sent Mordin back to the ship with the survivors and sent everyone else to go fight stuff at the final section of the final mission. Tali didn't make it back. I don't know why. So I reloaded a save, sent Tali back to the ship, kept Mordin and Thane with me and left the rest to fight stuff.

Doesn't matter now though, that game was lost. Some time in late December/early January, I'll marathon Mass Effect 1 & 2 in preparation for Mass Effect 3.

Aaaaaw can't wait for ME3! My favourite game EVER! :love2: and I'm a girl! :awesome:

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Originally Posted by Fan Lizard (Post 166100)

Aaaaaw can't wait for ME3! My favourite game EVER! :love2: and I'm a girl! :awesome:

Sex variation on the internet is always great, but what has your gender to do with that? Anyway, who here have already pre-ordered their copy? (Collector's edition anyone?) :D Sadly, I haven't :(.

Mass Effect 3: Five Plots Worth Exploring (contains ME2 spoilers)

^
i have pre-ordred the collectors edition :D

I haven't yet... Need money.
What's in the collector's edition?

Edit: Apparently, ME3 is going to need Origin... this is a disaster, there is no way I am letting that rubbish onto my computers :(. Origin is spyware, no more, no less. I guess this is what happens when people trust EA...

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Originally Posted by Human No More (Post 166143)

I'm thinking about just creating a partition or using an old hdd so I can install windows + Origin with nothing else on it. At least that way it'll be kept separate from everything else.

Shame that it won't be a steam download :(

I'm not going to give EA any money. They've had too many chances, and customers shouldn't have to workaround malware in order to play a game they have purchased.

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Originally Posted by LOVEavatar (Post 166122)

Sex variation on the internet is always great, but what has your gender to do with that?.

I love videogames in general, especially RPGs...Mass Effect is a sci-fi game, first of all (I love the gender)...more it has a wonderful story, it's so emotional, i'm so involved now, and i want to know how it ends...it's an entire universe (just as Avatar is!) and it's absolutely well done, the story, the characters, the MUSIC!! :love: Nowadays it is difficult to find a game like this..:)